Dave “Angry” Hadley and winner of this season’s Captain’s Award, reports on last Saturday’s Swannies’ End of Season function held at Danny and Jo Armstrong’s pad in Saigon.
Some of the crowd at last Saturday's End of Season function
Players, Saigon Shooters, Families, Friends, Children, Sponsors, Santa, Spouses and Louses were just some of the dignitaries that showed up to the Vietnam Swans 2009 Christmas Party. What a bbq it was too, with many food groups jostling to take out best food of the day. The meat pies around dinner came a strong first, with the ribs and the smorgasbord coming a close second. The drinks came third, with the punch packing a… well, punch.. and the beer, wine and ‘other’ category keeping the crowds in high spirits.
I was extremely excited to hit the pool after the last party at the Armstrong’s house. Nothing better than having a drink in the pool, getting it full of chlorine from the children and Gus dive bombing you. This time there was no chance as there were too many people conversing. What an exciting bunch of people that attended, all very active in the Vietnam community. I found myself sweating and talking, listening attentively to the various projects the guests had going on. I could not get to the pool until about 7pm when the guests started to thin out. The bbq went on until late with the last few revellers rumoured to have left around 2am.
Can I hear a round of applause for the fantastic hosts, Danny and Jo Armstrong please. *pauses for applause*. Not only did they provide the house, the pool, the entertainment and the undying love, but they were the most gracious hosts for the entire bbq. I will remember Danny, sweating profusely, passing through the crowd with daughter in tow, giving out pies with sauce. What a family.
The official part of the day started with something being evident after an hour. The speeches went on too long. It would not be the Vietnam Swans without long speeches, its what we do. Matt Townsend was the master of ceremonies, using his quick wit to charm the crowd. He would then reappear as… Fanta Plaus (name cleverly changed in case children are reading this blog). Fabbo did one of his legendary speeches and he did not disappoint, taking the crowd over the magnificent year the Swans have had in 2009. Derrin, Fleur from the Saigon Shooters netball team and Danny all gave speeches.
National Prez, Fabbo, presents Gus with an award that recognises him for being the longest active serving Swannie's player. In history!
Awards? There were a few, most notable ones listed below. There is only one award in this writers eyes. The biggest award goes to the entire Vietnam Swans football team for having the most special and amazing 2009. Give yourselves a round of applause, you have definitely made a huge difference to any team or community that has crossed your runaway path this year.
Awards:
- Players’ Player – Danny “Monkey” Monk
- Best Club Man – Derrin “Dezza” Limbrick
- Captain’s Award – David “Angry” Hadley
- Most Improved – Jerry Jerry Jerry
The following two players received awards for 5 years of active service (the “5 Year Participation Certificates”) to the Club:
- Gus “G Train” McEwin
- Phil “Fabbo” Johns
For more photos, also courtesy of Angry Dave, click on the Vietnam Swans Web Album.
